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Sunday, December 27, 2015

Green is my favorite color. I think it brings out the color in my eyes and it looks great with my skin tone.There's lots of sayings with green in them too. Give the green light. Green thumb. Going green. (Make no mistake- I didn't say Go Green- that's for all you Spartan fans out there). Green around the gills. Green with envy- well, don't be green with envy but I am sitting here in sunny Florida enjoying the warm weather and time with family and friends...

This green dress has been hanging in my closet for a while but this was the first time that I got it out. I scored it on a major sale but just haven't had a chance to wear it. I always say why wait for a special occasion?

What I love most about this dress is the neckline. I tell you all the time that it's hard for me to wear a straight skirt or dress and this is no exception. I like the look of it but I do think I'll spend a few more dollars and have it tailored a little more. I paired nude pumps and a floral clutch with it but did minimal jewelry.

Here are some pics of today's look:

Dress- Eloquii (earlier this year)

Heels- Loft (old)

Clutch- DSW (earlier this year)

Well I'm off to greener pastures and by greener pastures, I mean hanging out with my nephew at ChuckeCheese...

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Today's post is a very personal post. I am extremely vulnerable when I write this and I almost hesitate to even post it. But if I can help one person-just one person, it's worth it. While I normally write fashion-related posts, I think it's important to be open and honest about who you really are. (It's also longer so please read until the end).Fashion posts are pretty easy to write. Take some pictures and edit them. Write about your outfit. Write about how the outfit made you feel. Of course you loved it or you wouldn't wear it and you wouldn't write about it. (Duh!)But Life isn't a fashion post. Life is tough. Life is hard. Life can be cruel. Life can be kind.We are all fighting a battle. We are all going through hard times in life. It doesn't matter what it is, if we think it's hard, then it's hard. I cannot compare my issues or dilemmas to those of someone else. If someone else's battle is hard because they need or want money for something that I think is unnecessary, it is still their battle. If someone is wanting to lose that last ten pounds of baby weight, that is their battle. Then there's the obvious battles like sickness, relationships, job loss, even housing, hunger, etc. you get it. My point is not to minimize what someone else is going through just because you might not think it is as important.While I won't go into detail about what I am personally battling, I will tell you that it has been very tough for me. Some things were my decision and some things were not. Life handed me the cards that I was dealt. How am I going to play them?Life-changing decisions are being made. It's tough. I cry. A lot. I didn't know I had this many tears inside of me. I didn't know I was capable of feeling the way I do about a lot of things. I didn't know the emotions that I could even feel. I think for so long things were bottled inside of me and the cork was just taken off.My emotions run wild. I struggle with thoughts that I never had before. I struggle daily, even hourly sometimes. I told you. I cry. I get mad. I feel hurt. I feel anger. I feel love.I am guilty of sometimes projecting my frustration on to those that love me and care about me. To you if you are reading this: I am sorry. Thank you for being there for me during these times. I promise I am getting better at this! Don't give up on me!I find myself feeling negative sometimes-if I am being really honest, some days it's a lot. Someone told me once that even in this situation, I have it so good and I really have to agree. While this has been a difficult year for me as I have been struggling, I have it so good. God is so good to me. He has given me more than I could ever ask for. He has blessed me with an amazing support system (you know who you are) while I fight these battles. He has blessed me materially. I don't go without. I have my health. He has blessed me with new friends and relationships and made some of the existing ones stronger. He has blessed me spiritually. I have been observing the Sabbath on Saturdays and spending time with Him. I have been studying my Bible and been following laws and commandments in the Bible which has helped me draw even closer to Him.I want to share my struggle with all of you because a wise person who I love very much told me that I am stronger than I think I am. While I struggle often, I remember that I am stronger and this is just a season. I have doubts and insecurities at times-some of the time they are totally unnecessary and are all made up in my head but regardless, I still have them.This wise person also told me to take it day by day. Sometimes it will be even be hour by hour. I think about this often. Sometimes it's hard to get through something. You wish someone was available right at the minute that you need to talk and they are not. You wish you could just pack up and go somewhere but you can't, You wish, you wish, you wish. But life is about living in the present-it's not about wishing. You cannot wish your life away-live the life that you were given.I get out of bed in the morning and choose to be happy. Happiness and positivity attracts happiness and positivity. You give off good vibes. People want to see you. They want to know you. They want to be around you.Don't get me wrong. I still have those days-those hours. I had one on Friday. I still have struggles. But I have some verses in the Bible to help me through. One of my favorites is Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee." Oh boy. How hard is it to trust that He knows what He is doing and the situation you are going through was meant to be? Ugh, I don't know about you, but it's tough to remember this. Keep focused on His Word and Him and He will give you the perfect peace.

Another verse I love is Psalm 30:5 "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Joy comes in the morning. Remember what I said about being blessed? If He blesses us with another day on this earth, we have another opportunity to choose joy. My mom used to tell us that when we were feeling down, we could go to sleep and wake up and feel better. Tomorrow's another day. I tell my son this same thing when he struggles.And how about these verses found in Romans 5:3-5: "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Wow. So our challenges actually teach us to be patient?! I have to remember that everything I am going through teaches me something. It teaches me how to work through the situation-even though it feels like I am doing it alone sometimes. And speaking of loneliness, I do feel that way- a lot. You know it's even possible to be physically with people and still feel lonely. Here's my favorite verse to help me through this: Deuteronomy 31:6; "Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee." Thank you Lord for your promise to be with me always!In closing (I hope you have stayed with me until the end...), we all have strength-even when we don't think we do. One of my favorite new quotes that I recently found says: " Some times when things are falling apart, they may actually falling into place." This past year I have gone through a lot. But looking back, I have changed so much. It is unreal to see the person that I was and the person that I am now. Here's a photo that shows physical changes that have happened to me:

Going to yoga has also been helping me tremendously. The strength that I didn't think I had physically, I'm now finding. The mind tells us we can or cannot do something. The mind wants to tell me that I can't even though I know I can. Yoga isn't only about strengthening and stretching your body, it's also so much more. It's about learning to trust yourself and try to do a little- even if you think you can't. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you really set out to do it!

I'm becoming stronger and more confident and I'm not waiting around anymore. I'm going to get out there and get what I want! (I hope right now you're all saying Get it, girl!). Finding inner strength and peace can be difficult but I'm learning the tools that I can use to help me get to to the results that I want. I'll always always need encouragement and plenty of hand-holding and talking through situations but I also need to learn to depend on Him more.

While I know this isn't my typical Sunday Style post, I hope you found some time to read through all of this and know that you are not alone. We all struggle-we all feel pain. The good news is that He can help us get through this. I will also do a better job of remembering this! I hope that this helped you a little (or a lot!). Feel free to comment or send emails if you would like to discuss. Have a great rest of your weekend! Thanks for reading and following along with me!Sandae

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Today I'm wearing another fantastic dress from Karina Dresses ! The temps outside are decreasing and the colors that we wear during this time of year are increasing. Whether it's warm saturated colors like this Bordeaux or the bright colors of holidays, I'm not missing the pastels from the seasons past.

But let's get back to this dress...the fabric is so comfortable and the style is so flattering. I'm wearing the katharine style in floral tiles. I love this style! The belt adds extra emphasis on my waistline and the length below the knee is perfect!

I'm wearing this dress with boots and tights today since it's cooler outside and I've paired a fun floral clutch for some pattern mixing. I've also added a statement necklace and a few bangles as my accessories.

I can easily wear this look to work or I could also add a black jacket and heels for a different look. I love how Karina Dresses are functional and fashionable!

Monday, November 16, 2015

The coatigan, What is it? It's a cross between a coat and a cardigan. This is the first coatigan that I have ever purchased so I thought I would share my feedback on the style. First off, this one from Loft is amazingly soft. The material is heavy but not too heavy-perfect for when you want to wear a sweater or maybe something just a little warmer- hence the coatigan was born. The one button design of this one is simple yet structured. I don't think that I would ever wear this buttoned but it's nice that you have that option. I purchased this one in a Petite size since I am 5'4'' and I think the length of it is perfect for me. I do not mind the longer length; however, anyone who knows me knows that I like to show off my waist and this coatigan really goes out of its way to cover up my shape. That might be the only negative thing about this style that I have found. Overall, I think it's a nice alternative to wearing a coat and I think I will be able to get lots of good use out of this one. I picked this one up on major sale which is always a great way to try a trend or an article of clothing or accessory. Here are some pictures out and about at the Wilson Farm:

Sunday, November 15, 2015

I could wear this dress all day every day. You know that feeling that you get when you just feel good? You've got a pretty dress on and you might feel a little like a princess? Yeah. That was me wearing this around town.

Dainty Jewells has done it again! The perfect dress for parties or church or just wearing it on a Thursday. I love the design of this dress- a beautiful fitted bodice and a full skirt. The tie is detachable and adds extra to your oomph to the design and draws attention to your waistline.

Dainty Jewells is one of my favorite online shops that provides fashionable modest clothing. I love the modern and vintage designs of the clothing and the fabrics are beautiful! I also love that this company was the vision of a 16 year old girl who wanted to dress modestly and fashionable and wanted to share her designs with the world!

This dress design is called the Central Park and it also comes in girl sizes! Perfect for the holiday parties or pictures that you might want to start taking!

My son and I took advantage of the sunrise in downtown Grand Rapids as we shot these pictures in the early morning. The GRAM is one of my favorite places to visit and the city was so quiet before the early morning hustle and bustle. We finished shooting snd then headed to have a coffee and hot chocolate at our favorite Bigby Coffee. It's not always about fashion- it's about family and friends and these are the things that warm my heart.

Enjoy these pictures of this gorgeous dress and some of the sites around the GRAM:

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

What else is more fun on a cloudy Friday afternoon than a visit with some of my favorite people at Talbots and seeing some new fashions?

The atmosphere was alive and buzzing with excitement when I got to the store. It's always fun to see people that I enjoy working with and meeting new ones too! One of the things I love most about Talbots is that they treat all of their customers with care and respect. You can tell they all truly love what they do.

The brand is classic with their styles and fabrics yet on trend with updated patterns and accessories. I loved taking a look around the store before and after the show to see and feel all of the items in the new line.Three of the stores in the area combined forces along with a Regional Sales Manager to make this fashion show happen. I loved that they used their customers to model the fashions too!

I walked away with a few things including this look from today:

Sweater and skirt- Talbots (recent)

Boots- Avenue (recent online)

And now here's the recap on some of my favorite looks from the show:Fair Isle sweaters are super popular right now, especially as it's getting colder and closer to the holiday. Pair one of these with a fun plaid shirt and some five pocket cords. Remember pattern mixing is fun- just stay within the same color family.

I love the look of a classic pencil skirt! A pencil skirt can be dressed up or down and is so functional for work or a casual look. This one was dressed down with a denim shirt and a cardigan but added a statement necklace for some additional interest. This is actually a look I love and wear often!

One of my favorite looks for fall and winter this year is buffalo check. I saw this skirt and immediately knew it needed to make its way into my closet! I loved this outfit on the mannequin in the store and was pleased that my Talbots personal shopper and friend, Janet, also picked this look out for me!I had such a great time at the show! It was awesome getting to see people from my favorite store and to see all of the new looks!Thanks for reading and following along with me!Sandae

Sunday, November 8, 2015

I recently became familiar with a company called Dia&co. I decided to give ordering a box a try. I'll tell you about my experience first before I share pictures. I talked to a stylist on the phone after I filled out a questionnaire on the website. I made sure to put things on my profile like styles and colors I like as well as amounts I would spend on particular pieces of clothing or accessories.

I received my first box and loved items in it but a couple of the items weren't the best fit for me. I sent them back in the postage paid envelope and then went online to rate the items. In my second box I received a few items that I loved including this awesome olive faux leather skirt.

I kept the outfit to a minimum to show off the skirt and then added pattern with both the clutch and my shoes. I'm loving this secretary bow blouse with it too- the color is perfect with the olive for fall! This outfit is great to wear to work and then even out afterwards to dinner or a date or drinks with the girls. I think my favorite part is the gold exposed zipper in the back!

Here are some pictures of the outfit with the faux leather skirt:

I also wanted to show you all the other items that I kept in my boxes and how I styled them:

This blue tiered sleeveless chiffon top was perfect for layering under a cardigan and wearing with a skirt and booties.

This pendant came in my second box and looked great with this patterned top and jeans.

I paired this black coat with black underneath and houndstooth pants. More pattern mixing with a leopard clutch and cobalt heels for that pop of color.

Last but not least is this great navy and white striped knit top that I paired with olive riding pants and boots. I love the lace detail on it!

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Paisley is such a classic print. It's used in everything from clothing items to accessories. I happen to love a pretty paisley and the print on this karinadresses dress is no exception.

I think this print is perfect for fall but let's also take a minute and love on the style of this dress! It's so perfect with the vneck front and the perfect waist with a fabric belt that I tied into a bow. The skirt is a fuller style with a great length hitting around the knee.

The fabric is a washable jersey fabric so it's not only super stylish but also super comfortable! This style is called the Maggie. Such a great dress!